Kiosk for recycling electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.

APPLICATIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following patents and patent applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties:

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/102,304, filed on Oct. 2, 2008;

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/183,510, filed on Jun. 2, 2009;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/573,089, now U.S. Pat. No.8,195,511, filed on Oct. 2, 2009;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/487,299, now U.S. Pat. No.8,463,646, filed on Jun. 4, 2012;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/727,624, now U.S. Pat. No.7,881,965, filed on Mar. 19, 2010;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/017,560, now U.S. Pat. No.8,239,262, filed on Jan. 31, 2011;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/562,292, now U.S. Pat. No.8,423,404, filed on Jul. 30, 2012;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/785,465, now U.S. Pat. No.8,200,533, filed on May 23, 2010;

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/472,611, filed on Apr. 6, 2011; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/438,924, filed on Apr. 4, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to recycling of consumerelectronic devices.

BACKGROUND

There has been a large increase in the number of electronic devices usedby the typical consumer. These devices include cell phones, PDA's, MP3players, GPS devices, cameras, beepers, remote controls, cordlessphones, calculators, etc. The rapid pace at which new technology andmodels of electronic devices are introduced creates a situation wheremany consumers upgrade or replace one or more recyclable device on afrequent basis. Often, the consumer does not dispose of the priorelectronic device, but rather just stops using it and begins using thenew device. This may happen over several generations of such devices.

In addition to the electronic devices mentioned above, there are manyother types of devices that have relatively high frequency replacementrates, including portable mobile electronic devices, such as cellphones, MP3 players, etc., and non-portable electronic devices, such ascomputers, printers, and the like. In addition to electronic devices,there are content based digital media such as games on CD, DVD, orcartridge, or entertainment mass storage items such as CDs, DVDs,BluRay, etc. There is a need for handling of such items in anecologically friendly manner, both via recycling or by proper disposalprocedures. It has not been convenient for owners of electronic devicesto either recycle such devices or to properly dispose of such devices.There is currently little incentive for a device owner to “do the rightthing” with a used device. When the owner just stops using a device andsimply puts it in storage: the opportunity for recycling or re-use byanother party is lost. If the owner just throws the device away innormal trash containers, the proper recycling or safe disposing of thedevice is thwarted.

One particular problem associated with this phenomenon can beillustrated by an example of mobile phones. There are more than 3.6billion mobile phone users in the world with an annual growth of 10% perannum. The replacement rate of mobile handsets is roughly every 18months as new models have more features and new standards evolve.Wireless carriers also offer new phones below cost, or free, asincentives to get customers to sign lucrative two-year service contractsensuring a constant build-up of old mobile phones. Old mobile phones andother mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) present a growing threat to theenvironment. As of 2007, there are more than 750 million mobile phoneswaiting to be recycled in the US, either in drawers or already in thewaste stream. Another 150+ million or so are added every year. Once inthe waste stream, these devices may leak Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenicand other toxic substances into the water supply. Municipalities oftenincinerate their waste, instantly putting these toxic elements into theair, and they return to earth in rain water. A problem that needs to besolved is to make it easy and accessible for the public to recycle orresell their mobile phones and other recyclable devices. Two reasons whymobile phones are not being recycled or resold are difficult access torecycling or reselling facilities, and secondly security concerns aboutthe information stored on the mobile phone. In addition to mobilephones, the same problems apply to many other electronic devices.

Technology has not yet provided a resolution to this problem. Oneinvention is Bishop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,308 for Automated Vending OfCellular Hand-Held Telephones And Cellular Telephone Services, whichdiscloses a vending machine that dispenses cellular telephones purchasedby consumers through the vending machine. Bishop essentially adds to theproblem by making it easier to acquire mobile phones.

Taylor et al., U.S. Patent Publication Number 2009/0190142, for a MethodAnd System For Connecting A Data Storage Device To A Kiosk, discloses akiosk with a docking port and an optical recognition device foridentifying a data port on a data storage device. Taylor is directed atprinting digital images at a photo kiosk.

The prior art has failed to recognize the problems associated withrecycling mobile phones in a manner that is enticing to a consumer yetfinancially rewarding to the recycler.

SUMMARY

The present invention enables one to securely recycle, donate, trade-in,and/or sell electronic devices in a publicly accessible location.

One aspect of the present invention is a kiosk for recycling electronicdevices such as mobile phones, tablet computes, e-readers, MP3 players,and the like. The kiosk preferably has a housing with a touch screendisplay for user interaction. The kiosk also has an inspection areadefined by an upper chamber, a lower chamber and a transparent plate fortransporting an electronic device into the inspection area. The upperand lower chambers preferably have mirrors on interior surfaces alongwith imaging components such as cameras in order to obtain multi-angledviews, or even a 3-D profile, of an electronic device within theinspection area. The kiosk also preferably has a carousel with multipledifferent electrical connectors in order to electrically connect to anelectronic device. The kiosk also preferably has a mechanism forautomatically binning the electronic device. The kiosk also has aprocessor configured to perform visual analysis for identification ofthe electrical device and to determine a condition of the electricaldevice, especially a LCD display of the electronic device. Further, theprocessor is configured to perform an electrical analysis of theelectronic device.

Another aspect of the present invention a method for analysis of amobile communication device and financial remuneration to a user forsubmission of the mobile communication device. The method comprisesidentifying a mobile communication device, soliciting bids for a usedmodel of the mobile communication device and receiving bids for the usedmodel of the mobile communication device from a plurality of bidders.The method further comprises setting a purchase price to pay for theused model of the mobile communication device based on the plurality ofbids received from the plurality of bidders and identifying a used modelof the mobile communication device at a recycling kiosk for the mobilecommunication device. The method further comprises verifying theintegrity of the used model of the mobile communication device at therecycling kiosk and offering the purchase price for the used model ofthe mobile communication device at the kiosk. Additionally, the methodcomprises purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device.Preferably, the method further comprises automatically binning themobile communication device after purchasing the used model of themobile communication device. The method may further comprise instructingthe user to erase the data of the used model of the mobile communicationdevice prior to positioning the mobile communication device in therecycling kiosk.

The kiosk of the method comprises a housing, the housing comprising auser interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user toinput information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upperdome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors. The kioskfurther comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and atransparent surface. The kiosk further comprises a processor within thehousing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processorconfigured to identify the brand and model number of the mobilecommunication device based on at least one of the information from theuser and the images from the at least one camera, the processorconfigured to determine a purchase price for the used model of themobile communication device.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis ofa mobile electronic device and financial remuneration to a user forsubmission of the mobile electronic device. The method includesidentifying a mobile communication device and a predetermined conditionof the mobile communication device. The method also includes solicitingbids for a used model of the mobile communication device in thepredetermined condition. The method also includes receiving bids for theused model of the mobile communication device from a plurality ofbidders. The method also includes setting a purchase price to pay forthe used model of the mobile communication device based on the pluralityof bids received from the plurality of bidders. The method also includesidentifying a used model of the mobile communication device at arecycling kiosk for the mobile electronic device. The method alsoincludes verifying the integrity of the used model of the mobilecommunication device at the recycling kiosk. The method also includesoffering the purchase price for the used model of the mobilecommunication device at the kiosk. The method also includes purchasingthe used model of the mobile communication device. The method alsoincludes delivering the mobile communication device to a winning bidder.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis ofa mobile electronic device and financial remuneration to a user forsubmission of the mobile electronic device. The method includesestablishing a plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices, each of theplurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices established for a recycledelectronic device in a predetermined condition. Each of thepre-acquisition purchase prices established by a winning bid from abidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device. Themethod also includes positioning an electronic device in an inspectionarea of a kiosk, the inspection area having at least one camera. Themethod also includes imaging the electronic device. The method alsoincludes analyzing the electronic device for identification of theelectronic device and a condition of the electronic device. The methodalso includes selecting a matching pre-acquisition purchase price fromthe plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices for the electronicdevice. The method also includes offering a consumer the pre-acquisitionpurchase price for the electronic device.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of anelectronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission ofthe electronic device. The method comprises positioning an electronicdevice in an inspection area of a kiosk, the inspection area having acamera. The method further comprises imaging a screen shot of a aboutpage of the electronic device, and inspecting the screen shot of theabout page of the electronic device obtained by at least one cameradisposed in the inspection area to determine if the electronic devicehas any defects. The method further comprises determining a value forelectronic device. Lastly the method comprises determining a value forthe electronic device.

The kiosk of the method comprises a housing, a user interface on anexterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, anupper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower domecomprise a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further comprises an upperchamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface. Thekiosk also comprises a processor within the housing and in communicationwith the at least one camera, the processor configured to identify thebrand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one ofthe information from the user and the images from the at least onecamera, the processor configured to determine a financial remunerationvalue for the electronic device. Preferably, the method furthercomprises comparing information derived from the barcode sticker toinformation derived from the about page.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dome shaped apparatus,the dome shaped apparatus comprising an upper dome, a lower dome and theupper and lower dome comprising a plurality of walls, wherein theplurality of walls are composed of mirrors. The dome shaped apparatusfurther comprises a transparent surface and at least one camera, thecamera capable of obtaining a 360 degree view of an electronic deviceplaced within the dome shaped apparatus. The upper dome preferablycomprises an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably comprises alower chamber camera. Preferably, a combination of the each of the upperdome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for animage of the device placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, thecombination of the each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and theplurality of mirrors allow for a 360 degree of the electronic deviceplaced on the transparent surface.

In another aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises amethod for analysis of an electronic device and financial remunerationto a user for submission of the electronic device. The method comprisespositioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a recyclingkiosk 100, wherein the inspection area has a plurality of mirrors. Themethod further comprises placing the electronic device in an illuminatedmode wherein a LCD screen of the electronic device is illuminated tovisually enhance the appearance of any defects in the LCD screen andinspecting an image of the LCD screen of the electronic device obtainedby at least one camera disposed in the inspection area to determine ifthe LCD screen of the electronic device has any defects. The methodfurther comprises defining an analyzed electronic device. Lastly, themethod comprises determining a value for the analyzed electronic device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprisesperforming an electrical analysis of the electronic device. In analternative embodiment of the present invention, the method furthercomprises powering up the electronic the device. In yet anotherembodiment of the present invention the method further comprisesmeasuring the luminescence from the LCD screen of the electronic device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprisesautomatically binning the electronic device after a visual inspectionand electrical inspection. Further, the method comprises completing thevisual inspection and electrical inspection within an illuminationperiod. The illumination period comprises the time from when the LCD ofthe phone is initially illuminated to the time the display screentransitions into an energy conserving mode, evidenced by the screenblacking out.

In yet another embodiment, the method comprises positioning anelectronic device in an inspection area of a recycling kiosk 100,powering up the electronic device and inputting a term on the electronicdevice. The inputted term comprises a plurality of characters and theterm is displayed on the LCD screen of the electronic device. The methodfurther comprises inspecting an image of the LCD screen of theelectronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in theinspection area utilizing an optical character recognition program ofthe recycling kiosk to determine if the LCD screen of the electronicdevice has any defects. The term is preferably a telephone number, aword or number.

Another aspect of the invention is a dome shaped apparatus comprising aplurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls composed of mirrorsand at least one camera, wherein the camera is capable of obtaining amultiple views of an electronic device placed within the dome shapedapparatus. The invention optionally comprises an electrical connectordispensing device. The electrical connecting dispensing device comprisesa cartridge containing a plurality of cables, wherein each of theplurality of cables have an interchangeable connector and wherein eachof the cables is automatically retracted after an electrical analysis ofan electronic device.

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and furtherobjects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by thoseskilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description ofthe invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recycling kiosk.

FIG. 1A is a front view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is an isolated view of a front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C is an isolated view of a front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is an isolated view of an electrical connector wheel.

FIG. 2A is an isolated view of an electrical connector is a stagingarea.

FIG. 2B is an isolated view of an electrical connector in a detachedposition.

FIG. 2C is an isolated view of an electrical connector being detached.

FIG. 2D is an isolated view of an electrical connector being retracted.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.

FIG. 4 is an isolated view of a phone an inspection plate of a kiosk.

FIG. 4A is an isolated view of a phone being transferred in the kiosk.

FIG. 4B is an isolated view of a phone being transferred in the kiosk.

FIG. 4C is an isolated view of a phone being binned in the kiosk.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk.

FIG. 7 is an isolated view of an inspection area of a kiosk.

FIG. 8 is an isolated view of a camera in a dome of a kiosk.

FIG. 9 is an isolated view of a phone in an inspection area of a kiosk.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a phone.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a phone connected to an electrical connector.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for recycling an electronic device.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for a pre-acquisition auction method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C, a kiosk for recycling electronicdevices and providing financial remuneration is generally designated100. The electronic device may be a Smart Phone, mobile phone, tabletcomputer, IPOD® device, MP3 Player, GPS device, e-reader, etc. The kiosk100 has a housing 105 in a pseudo-rectangular cube shape. A header 103allows for marketing and videos. An access door 130 in a front body area131 provides access to an inspection area 106 for electronic devices.The front of the housing 105 has a display screen 115 for providinginformation to a user, and acts as a user interface in a touch screenembodiment. The exterior of the housing 105 also preferably has a labelprinter 125, a voucher dispenser 126, a receipt printer 127, and a cashor card dispenser 128. The exterior housing may also have a thumbprintreader.

The kiosk 100 allows for automatic visual analysis of an electronicdevice to identify the electronic device and to determine electronicdevice is damaged in order to ascertain a value for recycling theelectronic device. Further, the kiosk 100 also allows for electricalanalysis of the electronic device.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, the kiosk 100 comprises acarousel 500 containing a plurality of electrical connectors 505 a-505y. Each of the electrical connectors 505 has a unique connection plugfor removable connection to an electronic device. Each of the electricalconnectors 505 a-505 y has a cartridge removeably secured in thecarousel 500. Thus, new electrical connectors 505 can be substituted forolder electrical connectors 505. Further, the kiosk 100 is designed toallow for automatic removal of the electrical connector 505 usingdetachment mechanism 511. In FIG. 2A, the electrical connector 505 is ina staging area, where it would be connected to a port of an electricaldevice (as shown FIG. 11). Next, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, hingedarms 512 of the detachment mechanism 511 engage a moveable member of theelectrical connector 505 to force the outward movement of the moveablemember and the disconnection of the electrical connector 505 from a portof an electronic device (as shown in FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 2D, theelectrical connector 505 is retracted by a cable from the detachmentmechanism 511.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B and 3C, the internal mechanism 101 of thekiosk 100 includes an upper chamber 520, a lower chamber 530, a binningplate 540, a transparent plate 545, a door 550, a bin 555 and thecarousel 500. Preferably, the carousel 500 is able to hold approximately25 electrical connectors 505, wherein the electrical connectors 505 areinterchangeable to easily adapt to the variations in USB and other likeconnections. As shown in FIG. 3B, a mobile phone 150 is placed on thetransparent plate 545 and transferred to an inspection area 106 withinupper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530. Both the upper chamber and thelower chamber preferably have a bell-like shape. As shown in FIG. 3C,the mobile phone is moved between the upper chamber 520 and the lowerchamber 530 for visual analysis. The transparent plate, preferablycomposed of glass of a transparent plastic material, allows for imagingcomponents within the upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530 to obtainmultiple view images of the mobile phone 150. Preferably, a 3-D profileof the mobile phone is generated in order to provide visual analysis foridentification and condition of the mobile phone. Once the visualanalysis is complete, the transparent plate 545 moves out from betweenthe upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530.

FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, and 4C, show the automatic transport and binning of anelectronic device 150 within the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk100. As shown in FIG. 4, the door 550 is lowered to reside above thetransparent plate 545, which is then moved inward with the mobile phone150 thereon. As shown in FIG. 4A, as the transparent plate 545 is movedinward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door 550 and engages binningplate 540 as the mobile phone begins to fall into an opening created bythe inward movement of the transparent plate 545. As shown in FIG. 4B,once the mobile phone is on the binning plate 540, the binning plate 540is slowly lowered on one side to open into the bin 555. As shown in FIG.4C, the mobile phone 150 slowly falls through an opening 556 into thebin 555 to secure the mobile phone 150 and for collection at a latertime. The entire process performed at a rate of speed to prevent damageto the electronic device being recycled.

The kiosk 100 is of a typical size and shape of a vending machine, suchas a soda machine, coin changing machine, can recycling machine, orother vending machines. The housing 105 of the kiosk 100 protects theinternal mechanism 101 and secures electronic devices submitted forrecycling. The housing 105 is preferably constructed of a metalmaterial, such as steel or aluminum, to prevent authorized access to thekiosk 100.

The inspection area 106 is preferably designed to permit a detailedvisual inspection of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, tabletcomputer, e-reader, MP3 players, PDA. The walls of the inspection areaare preferably white and/or mirrored to provide imaging of theelectronic device.

The couplings from the kiosk 100 and to a remote computer are preferablya single coupling to a communications network such as the internet viawired LAN, wireless LAN, cellular or any other proprietarycommunications system. The Kiosk 100 preferably includes a processor 160for processing the information obtained from the mobile phone and forcontrolling the components of the kiosk 100. Preferably, the processor160 is a standard personal computer (“PC”) or other type of embeddedcomputer running any operating system such as Linux or MAC OS. Theprocessor 160 is most preferably a small form factor PC with integratedhard disk drive (“HDD”), central processing unit (“CPU”) and universalserial bus (“USB”) ports to communicate with the other components of thekiosk 100. One most preferred CPU is a DELL PC OPTIPLEX 780.Alternatively, the processing means is a microprocessor with astandalone motherboard which interfaces to a discrete HDD, power supplyand the other components of the kiosk 100. The kiosk 100 preferablyincludes a memory 161 or other storage device, such as a disk drive,that stores the executable applications, test software, databases andother software required to operate the recycling kiosk 100.

The external communication component for the kiosk 100 preferablyincludes a wired Ethernet to provide connection to the internet, oralternatively the external communication component includes a wirelessmodem such as GSM, CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies for data communications.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the visual inspection of an electronic devicesuch as a mobile phone 150 in the inspection area 106 is preferablyperformed by at least one camera 610 within the upper chamber 520. Thelower chamber 530 also preferably has at least one camera or otherimaging component such as a scanner. Alternatively, the visualinspection is performed by multiple cameras. A preferred camera 610 is a1 megapixel machine vision camera. If a single camera 610 is utilized inthe inspection area 106, the camera 610 preferably is movable toincrease a field of view of the inspection area 106 to inspect theelectronic device 150 such as a mobile phone placed on the transparentplate 545. The camera 161 is preferably movable. Preferably the camera610 is positioned to image a LCD screen 153 of the electronic device 150to determine if the LCD screen 153 is damaged. The interior surfaces ofthe upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530 preferably include mirrors615 in order to optimize viewing of an electronic device positionedwithin the inspection area 106. As shown in FIG. 9, a reflection 150′ ofa mobile phone 150 is illustrated. The camera 610 is also preferablymovable to image a data port of the electronic device to determine thetype of electrical connector 505 for the electronic device in order toperform an electrical analysis of the electronic device. Alternatively,the entire interior surfaces of the upper chamber 520 and the lowerchamber 530 are mirrored for optimization of imaging of the electronicdevice. The camera(s) alternatively are CCD or CMOSS.

Also, time is of the essence when inspecting the electronic device. Theanalysis is completed within an illumination period of the electronicdevice, wherein the illumination device comprises the time from when thedisplay screen of the electronic device is illuminated to the time thedisplay screen converts to an energy conserving mode, evidences by thescreen blacking out. During the inspection, the brightness of theillumination is also measured. The lighting preferably comprises LEDbased lighting with beam splitters, or alternatively UV lighting.

The transparent plate optionally operates as a weight scale to obtain amass of the electronic device for use in determining a remunerationvalue. For example, if the mass of the electronic device 150 is lessthan set forth in a vendor specification for the electronic device, thenone or more components of the electronic device may be missing, such asthe battery for the electronic device 150.

Preferably, visual inspection and recognition software is utilized bythe kiosk 100 to analyze an electronic device. In one preferred method,a recognition algorithm is applied to a specific make and model of aelectronic device. The visual inspection and recognition softwaredetermines the borders of a electronic device 150 under inspection todetermine the external dimensions of the electronic device 150. Theexternal dimensions are utilized to determine a subset of possiblemobile phones from a master database of mobile phones stored in thememory 161 of the kiosk 100 or available online to the kiosk 100 usingexternal communications. The visual inspection and recognition softwarethen preferably uses a set of secondary and tertiary features to furtherdistinguish the electronic device 150. These secondary and tertiaryfeatures can include placement and size of the display screen,placements and size of the keyboard, unique buttons, placement of ports,and other distinguishing features. Once an exact make and model of theelectronic device is determined, the visual inspection and recognitionsoftware subtracts an image of the electronic device 150 from an imageof a perfect electronic device for the same make and model. The resultof the subtraction is preferably a quantifiable number of pixels thatare calibrated into categories of broken or missing parts, crackedscreen, and low, medium or high wear.

Alternatively, the visual inspection is performed using neural networkpattern recognition techniques to identify the mobile phone 150, thenfilter algorithms are utilized to determine defects such as crackedscreens. Further, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize thatother visual inspection techniques may be employed without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The electrical analysis of an electronic device 150 is preferablyperformed using an electrical connector 505 connected to a data port ofa electronic device 150 as discussed above in reference to FIGS. 2, 2A,2B, 2C and 2D. Once the make and model of the electronic device 150 isdetermined, either by visual inspection or user input using a userinterface such as touch screen display 115, the correct electricalconnector 505 is dispensed by the carousel 500 for connection to thedata port of the electronic device 150. The connection of the electricalconnector 505 to the electronic device 150 is preferably performedautomatically by the kiosk 100. Alternatively, the proper choice ofelectrical connector 505 is rotated into position on the carousel 500and illuminated or in some other way presented to the consumer formanual connection of the electrical connector 505 to the data port ofthe electronic device 150. Electrical analysis software is preferablyutilized by the kiosk 100 to interact with the electronic device 150.The electrical analysis preferably determines if the mobile phone iscapable of activation, maintaining a charge, performing correctly,powering a display screen of the electronic device 150, providing make,model, serial number and other pertinent information about theelectronic device 150, and other relevant information.

The touch screen display 115 preferably includes a keypad, userselection buttons, soft keys, and other similar components. The touchscreen display 118 is used to enable quick and easy access to variousfeatures and functions of the recycling kiosk 100. The recycling kiosk100 preferably dispenses various forms of payment, including cash,credit cards, debit cards, chip cards, gift cards from the kiosk's hostlocation or other gift cards, and other magnetic striped cards orelectronic payment methods. The kiosk 100 also uses the barcode readerto read the barcode identification on the inside of the battery pack. AUV detector is used for reading “invisible” barcodes in use by certainvendors such as Apple and others. The bar code reader, camera, and/or UVdetector of the kiosk 100 is another technique used to identify theproduct model, IMEI #, and/or FCC ID. Alternatively, the kiosk 100communicates with the electronic device 150 using wirelesscommunications to test and if necessary erase data from the electronicdevice 150.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the main components of the kiosk 100. Aprocessor 160 is preferably in communication with the other componentsof the kiosk 100. The memory 161 preferably contains a database ofinformation on multiple mobile phones including images, physicalcharacteristics, prices and other similar information. The externalcommunications 167 preferably communicates through a wireless connectionor Ethernet with a network to receive and transmit information to aremote site. The power supply 170 is preferably received through aplug-in connection to a wall outlet. The mechanical components 165include the electrical connector carousel 500, the transparent plate545, the binning plate 540, the door 550, and other similar components.The camera 610 or cameras, electrical connectors, and a user interfaceinteract with the processor 160 as discussed above. FIG. 5 illustratesan internal back of a recycling kiosk 100. As shown a processor 160 ispreferably a personal computer having a battery backup 170 a, a wirelessconnection 167 for external communications, an electrical connection140, a receipt dispenser 104 and a display screen 115.

The processor 160 identifies the electronic device 150 submitted forrecycling using information from the visual inspection and userinterface. The processor 160 also determines the proper electricalconnector 505 for connection to the data port of the electronic device150 using information obtained during the visual inspection or from theuser interface. The processor 160 also directs and receives informationfrom the electrical analysis of the electronic device 150 performedusing the electrical connector 505 connected to the data port of theelectronic device 150. The processor also preferably determines afinancial remuneration for the submitted electronic device 150 based onthe visual inspection, optionally the electrical analysis and datastored in the memory 161 of the kiosk or information provided externallythrough the external communication component 167.

A flow chart for a preferred recycling method is shown in FIG. 12. Atstep 301 a customer elects to sell or recycle an electronic device. Thecustomer checks to see if the electronic device is supported forsale/refurbishing from a list on the screen of the kiosk. The customeractivates the on-screen menu system and either enters the phone modeldirectly or goes through a series of menus to determine if theelectronic device is eligible for sale or only for recycling. Atdecision block 302 it is determined if the electronic device is onlyavailable for recycling. If yes, (i.e. it is not on the list ofelectronic device available for reselling) the customer can insert theelectronic device into receptacle at step 303 and the electronic devicefalls into bin 112 for recycling.

If the electronic device is supported for refurbishment/resale thecustomer is then encouraged to engage the testing/rating operation ofthe system. At step 304, the system has determined the correct connectorto couple to the electronic device. Connectivity options and are notlimited to cable, standard or proprietary connectors, hard docks,reading removable or external physical memory or other wireless methodslike WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, and the like. At step 305 theelectronic device is connected and inserted into inspection area 106. Ifthis has been done correctly, the customer is given some indication(e.g. a green light) and the system proceeds to step 306. At step 306the electronic device is tested for operation using diagnostics andoperating via, for example, the OMSI interface. The diagnosticspreferably includes electrical and physical testing including testingthe electronic device's battery, screen, memory, button functionalityand structural integrity.

Preferably, the electronic device is imaged and analysis software isused to identify scratches, cracks, wear patterns, dents, broken ormissing pieces, inclusion of features such as lenses, buttons,connectors, badges, labeling and/or branding. Identification may be doneby image comparison or other similar methods where the image taken ofthe electronic device is normalized and compared to a reference image.Other inspection methods may be used in conjunction with visual and/orelectrical testing including weighing to determine specific weight anduse that data to further refine verification of manufacturer andverification of exact device model. In another embodiment, thephotographic image is used to identify the correct manufacturer andmodel number/product number. Visual identification could include anycombination of the following: calculations based upon measurement,physical (e.g., mm, inches), pixel count or other. Identification basedupon electronic device dimensions, location/size of buttons, LCD andother physical characteristics. One camera or multiple cameras may beused to determine height, width, depth as needed. Identification basedon OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of identifiers such as Carrier(for phone and tablet computers), brand, model, serial number, otheridentifiers. Identification based upon barcodes. Consumer may be askedto orient CE on its front, back, side and then asked to changeorientation as needed. Consumer may even be asked to remove CE cover(s),batteries and the like in order to gain access to identifiable items,such alphanumeric or barcode data. The kiosk 100 provides a way to usevisual inspection with electrical inspection to identify a device,determine its value, and reduce possible fraud.

In one embodiment, the kiosk 100 communicates with the carrierassociated with a mobile phone to collect any information that could begermane to the device, including, for example, validation orauthentication, registered ownership, account status, time in service,and the like. In some cases, when the customer's identificationinformation does not match the registered owner information, the kiosk100 automatically contacts the assumed owner in some manner (automatedtelephone call, email, text message, etc.) to alert the owner of thephone of the possible transaction.

Another feature of an embodiment of the kiosk 100 is to determine ifthere is personal information on the electronic device. This isdetermined by the presence of data in particular storage registers inthe memory (e.g., quick-key stored numbers) or by looking at file types(jpegs, mp3's, etc.,), or just assuming all non-default storagelocations must contain personal data. The customer is offered the chanceto erase the data from the phone. One option allows the customer torequest that the data be first downloaded and then sent to a locationdesignated by the customer (e.g., email address, website, etc.). Inanother embodiment, there is a slot for the customer to enter a memorycard (e.g. USB drive, memory stick, etc.) whereupon the kiosk 100uploads the data to the memory device. In still another embodiment, thekiosk 100 offers a web location from which the user retrieves the dataat some later time if desired. In another embodiment, the user elects tohave the data placed in another electronic device purchased by thecustomer at the kiosk 100 or in the location of the kiosk 100 or someother store. The customer preferably selects a user name and password toaccess the system provided storage location.

Once the value is determined, the value is provided at step 307 to thekiosk. The kiosk 100 then offers the customer a price or otherremuneration for the phone that is typically less than the resale value.In other embodiments, the kiosk 100 offers the customer a price orremuneration that is at the current real-time market price. At step 308it is determined if the user wishes to accept the offer. If not, thekiosk 100 proceeds to step 309 and opens the door and releases theelectronic device back to the customer. If the user wishes to accept theoffer, the kiosk 100 proceeds to step 310. At a point where the useraccepts a price, the kiosk 100 may then lock down the inspection area toprevent further access to the electronic device by the user. The kiosk100 then disconnects any cables that have been attached. At step 310,the user indicates acceptance of the decision by confirming on thekeypad or touch-screen. At this point the kiosk 100 proceeds withdeleting the personal data from the electronic device. In addition, oncethe transaction is confirmed, the kiosk 100 tags the electronic devicewith a transaction number that is associated with the diagnostic dataand the transaction itself. This is preferably a printed adhesive labelthat is affixed physically to the phone and/or the loading of electronicdata corresponding to the transaction number onto the phone itself fortraceability purposes.

At step 311, the kiosk 100 completes any additional testing anddiagnostics of the electronic device, disconnects the cable from theelectronic device, and prints a receipt for the customer. Transfer offunds may be authorized via the kiosk 100 by crediting a customer creditcard or account by dispensing cash, or by dispensing a voucher orcoupon. At step 312 the kiosk 100 updates its inventory database andtransmits the update via a communications network to a kiosk server.

One preferred method for a pre-acquisition auction is illustrated in theflow chart of FIG. 13. A method for analysis of an electronic device andfinancial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic deviceis generally designated 1000. At block 1001, an electronic device isidentified. At block 1002, bids are solicited for a used model of theelectronic device in a predetermined condition. The bids are preferablysolicited online through a website and the bidders are preferablypre-qualified. At block 1003, bids for the used model of the electronicdevice are received from a plurality of bidders. At block 1004, apurchase price to pay for the used model of the electronic device is setbased on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders.Typically, the purchase price is based on the winning bid. The shippinginformation for the winning bidder is preferably obtained at this time.At block 1005, a used model of the electronic device is identified at arecycling kiosk for the electronic device. Preferably, a consumerdesires to recycle the electronic device. At 1006, the integrity of theused model of the electronic device is verified at the recycling kiosk.Preferably, the condition of the electronic device is established at thekiosk, with the kiosk determining any damage to the electronic devicebased on visual and electronic analysis of the electronic device. Atblock 1007, the electronic device is evaluated and graded. At block1008, the purchase price for the used model of the electronic device isoffered to a consumer at the kiosk. At block 1009, the electronic deviceis automatically binned after purchasing the used model of theelectronic device from the consumer at the kiosk. At block 1010, theelectronic device is shipped to the winning bidder.

Preferably, the kiosk 100 of the method comprises a housing 105, thehousing 105 comprising a user interface on an exterior surface of thehousing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lowerdome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality ofmirrors. The kiosk 100 further comprises an upper chamber camera, alower chamber camera and a transparent surface. The kiosk 100 furthercomprises a processor 160 within the housing and in communication withthe at least one camera, the processor 160 configured to identify thebrand and model number of the mobile communication device based on atleast one of the information from the user and the images from the atleast one camera, the processor 160 configured to determine a purchaseprice for the used model of the mobile communication device.

An alternative method for a pre-acquisition auction begins with a mobilecommunication device identified for acquisition. Bids are solicited fora used model of the mobile communication device. Bids for the used modelof the mobile communication device are received from a plurality ofbidders. A purchase price to pay for the used model of the mobilecommunication device is set based on the plurality of bids received fromthe plurality of bidders. A used model of the mobile communicationdevice is identified at a recycling kiosk for the mobile communicationdevice. The integrity of the used model of the mobile communicationdevice is verified at the recycling kiosk. The purchase price for theused model of the mobile communication device is offered to a consumerat the kiosk. The mobile communication device is automatically binnedafter purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device fromthe consumer at the kiosk. The mobile communication device is shipped tothe winning bidder.

Another alternative method for a pre-acquisition auction begins withestablishing a plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices. Each of theplurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices is established for arecycled electronic device in a predetermined condition. Each of thepre-acquisition purchase prices is established by a winning bid from abidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device. Anelectronic device is positioned in an inspection area of a kiosk. Theinspection area has at least one camera. The electronic device or aportion thereof is imaged. The image of the electronic device obtainedby the at least one camera disposed in the inspection area is inspectedto determine if the electronic device has any defects. The electronicdevice is identified and a condition of the electronic device isdetermined. A matching pre-acquisition purchase price is selected fromthe plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices for the electronicdevice. A consumer is offered the pre-acquisition purchase price for theelectronic device.

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinentart will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention andwill readily understand that while the present invention has beendescribed in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and otherembodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changesmodification and substitutions of equivalents may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which isintended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in thefollowing appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the inventionin which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined inthe following appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A kiosk for evaluating and purchasing a used electronicdevice, the kiosk comprising: a housing; a door movable to controlaccess to an interior of the housing; an upper dome within the housing;a lower dome within the housing; a transparent plate within the housing,wherein the transparent plate is movable between— a first position atwhich the transparent plate receives the electronic device via the door,and a second position at which the transparent plate supports theelectronic device within an inspection area between the upper and lowerdomes; and a camera configured to image the electronic device while thetransparent plate supports the electronic device within the inspectionarea.
 2. The kiosk of claim 1 wherein the camera is movable to image theelectronic device from different angles while the transparent platesupports the electronic device within the inspection area.
 3. The kioskof claim 1 wherein the camera is carried by the upper dome.
 4. The kioskof claim 1 wherein: the upper dome has an apex; and the camera isconnected to the upper dome via the apex.
 5. The kiosk of claim 1wherein: the door is a first door; the kiosk further comprises a seconddoor within the housing; and the second door is configured to displacethe electronic device from the transparent plate.
 6. The kiosk of claim5 wherein the second door is configured to displace the electronicdevice from the transparent plate by obstructing movement of theelectronic device while the transparent plate carries the electronicdevice toward the inspection area.
 7. The kiosk of claim 5 wherein thesecond door has: a raised state in which the second door is positionedto allow the transparent plate to carry the electronic device as thetransparent plate moves from its first position to its second position;and a lowered state in which the second door is positioned to displacethe electronic device from the transparent plate as the transparentplate moves from its first position toward its second position.
 8. Thekiosk of claim 5 wherein: the plate is a first plate; the kiosk furthercomprises— a storage receptacle below the first plate, and a secondplate between the storage receptacle and the first plate; and the secondplate is configured to lower the electronic device toward the storagereceptacle after the second door displaces the electronic device fromthe first plate.
 9. The kiosk of claim 8 wherein the second plate isconfigured to hingedly swing downward to lower the electronic devicetoward the storage receptacle.
 10. The kiosk of claim 1 wherein theupper and lower domes include white walls at least partially definingthe inspection area.
 11. The kiosk of claim 1, further comprising ascale operably connected to the transparent plate, wherein the scale isconfigured to measure a weight of the electronic device while theelectronic device is carried by the transparent plate.
 12. The kiosk ofclaim 1, further comprising a cash dispenser configured to dispense cashin exchange for the electronic device.
 13. The kiosk of claim 1, furthercomprising a light source configured to illuminate the inspection area.14. The kiosk of claim 13 wherein the light source is an ultravioletlight source.
 15. A method of operating a kiosk for evaluating andpurchasing a used electronic device, the method comprising: positioninga transparent plate at a first position within a housing of the kiosk;receiving the electronic device on the transparent plate while thetransparent plate is in the first position; moving the transparent platefrom the first position to a second position within the housing afterreceiving the electronic device on the transparent plate, wherein movingthe transparent plate moves the electronic device into a domedinspection area within the housing; and imaging the electronic devicewhile the transparent plate supports the electronic device within theinspection area, wherein imaging the electronic device includes imagingthe electronic device from two or more different angles.
 16. The methodof claim 15 wherein: the kiosk includes an upper dome and a lower domeat least partially defining the inspection area; and moving thetransparent plate moves the electronic device between the upper andlower domes.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein: imaging the electronicdevice includes imaging the electronic device via a camera operablyassociated with the inspection area; and the method further comprisesmoving the camera to change an angle at which the camera images theelectronic device from one of the two or more different angles toanother of the two or more different angles.
 18. The method of claim 15wherein: the kiosk includes a dome at least partially defining theinspection area; and imaging the electronic device includes imaging theelectronic device via a camera carried by the dome.
 19. The method ofclaim 15 wherein: the kiosk includes a dome at least partially definingthe inspection area; and imaging the electronic device includes imagingthe electronic device via a camera at an apex of the dome.
 20. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: presenting, via a user interfaceof the kiosk, an offer to purchase the electronic device after imagingthe electronic device; and receiving, via the user interface, anacceptance of the offer.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein: the kioskincludes a storage receptacle operably associated with the inspectionarea; and the method further comprises moving the electronic device intothe storage receptacle after receiving the acceptance.
 22. The method ofclaim 20 further comprising dispensing cash from a cash dispenser of thekiosk after receiving the acceptance.
 23. The method of claim 20,further comprising displacing the electronic device from the transparentplate after receiving the acceptance, wherein displacing the electronicdevice includes moving the transparent plate from its first positiontoward its second position while movement of the electronic device intothe inspection area is obstructed.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising lowering a door within the kiosk from a raised state to alowered state, wherein displacing the electronic device includes movingthe transparent plate from its first position toward its second positionwhile the door in its lowered state obstructs movement of the electronicdevice into the inspection area.
 25. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising gradually lowering the electronic device toward a storagereceptacle within the housing after displacing the electronic device.26. The method of claim 25 wherein: the transparent plate is a firstplate; the kiosk further comprises a second plate between the storagereceptacle and the first plate; and displacing the electronic deviceincludes displacing the electronic device onto the second plate.
 27. Themethod of claim 26 wherein lowering the electronic device includeslowering the second plate while the second plate carries the electronicdevice.
 28. The method of claim 15, further comprising weighing theelectronic device via a scale operably connected to the transparentplate.
 29. The method of claim 15, further comprising illuminating theinspection area while imaging the electronic device.
 30. The method ofclaim 29 wherein illuminating the inspection area includes illuminatingthe inspection area with ultraviolet light.